Role of Subcutaneous Bilirubinometre in the Evaluation of Bilirubin Level in Neonatal Jaundice

Almas Maqsood; Syed Taqi Hasan Zaidi; Ameena Saba; Wasif Shujaat; Benish Fatima; Bushra Rao

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v73i4.7027

Authors

Almas Maqsood Department of Pediatric, Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Syed Taqi Hasan Zaidi Department of Pediatric, Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Ameena Saba Department of Pediatric, Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Wasif Shujaat Department of Pediatric, Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Benish Fatima Department of Pediatric, Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Bushra Rao Department of Pediatric, Combined Military Hospital Malir/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v73i4.7027

Keywords:

Neonatal jaundice, Risk factors, Transcutaneous bilirubinometre

Abstract

Objectives: To record the demographic features of neonates presenting with jaundice, identify their cause, and co-relate bilirubin levels obtained by subcutaneous bilirubinometre with a standard biochemical method.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: Nursery of Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt Karachi, from Jul to Dec 2020.

Methodology: A total of 100 cases of neonatal jaundice were enrolled using a systematic random sampling technique. The demographic data of enrolled neonates and risk factors for jaundice were recorded. Their bilirubin levels were recorded using transcutaneous bilirubinometre (TCB) JH-2. Serum bilirubin levels were analyzed at the same time and recorded.

Results: Out of 100 neonates, 61(61 %) were male. Risk factors for jaundice included exaggerated physiological 70(70%), prematurity 11(11%), Rh incompatibility 9(9%), G6PD deficiency 5(5%). For all weight ranges, mean TCB values significantly correlated with mean serum bilirubin level (p-value <0.001) with a co-relation coefficient of 0.683 and device reliability of 74%.

Conclusion: Transcutaneous bilirubinometre can be considered a reliable tool to assess bilirubin for screening neonatal jaundice in term and pre-term neonates.